A Sky Sports spokesman told the Daily Mail: "Jermaine Pennant was a guest on Sky Sports News this morning.

"A decision by our production team was made to take Jermaine off the programme before its conclusion because his performance on-air failed to meet our production standards."

On Friday evening, Pennant responded with a tweet: "I arrived late for Sky Sports, I rushed on set meaning I was flustered hot and not briefed and I’d had a bad night sleep and taken a sleeping tablet. The show decided to replace me - and I respected their decision. Look forward to working with them in future regards Jermaine x."

And in a statement published by the Daily Mail, he said: “I apologise to everyone at Sky Sports and the viewers for my below-par performance today, the channel have given me opportunities over the past months and I have never let them down like this before.

I’m gutted because only yesterday I had a really good stint on Talksport. There are no excuses here, I am eager to have a career in TV and hope I haven’t done irreparable damage.

“Contrary to speculation on social media I didn't go out last night, I’ve been trying so hard to be professional over the past period, I’ve let down a lot of people and it won’t happen again. Once again I apologise sincerely.”